Pilgrim1's Posts
Nairaland Forum › Pilgrim1's Profile › Pilgrim1's Posts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 (of 215 pages)
 Christianity Etc › Re: Faithful See Virgin Mary Image In Hospital Window by pilgrim1(f): 7:18am On Oct 03, 2008 |
idupaul: does anyone have pics of the apparitionThere have been several other images in that category: https://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/10/01/clearwater__1222899856_5950.jpg Clearwater, Florida USA. https://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/10/01/mexico_maine__1222899856_1944.jpg Mexico, Maine. https://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/10/01/milton__1222899856_2119.jpg Milton Hospital. https://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/10/01/big-dig-Virgin-Mary__1222899856_0981.jpg In 2001, a stain that some said resembled the Virgin Mary appeared during Big Dig construction (lower right). source: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/gallery/100108_virgin_mary/ |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Faithful See Virgin Mary Image In Hospital Window by pilgrim1(f): 7:12am On Oct 03, 2008 |
idupaul:https://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/Hospital%20Window.jpg |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Seeking Understanding by pilgrim1(f): 6:54am On Oct 03, 2008 |
@xenophobic, xenophobic:Many thanks, xenophobic. I actually thought you'd do more than what I've already heard people say to me off the forum. You were actually being mild, albeit it was a nice try. For me to trade contumelies with anyone would be below my station; and if doing so gives you great prospects, I can well bear with you. Enjoy. |
| Islam › Re: Mosque Dreams: Any One With A Clue? by pilgrim1(f): 11:18pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
[quote author=plus_Queen link=topic=177134.msg2885678#msg2885678 date=1222984496]I'll leave other Christians to comment on that highlighted part. I don't know whether to laugh or to get me a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream  chei I no go die for this nairaland.[/quote]We don see am since, but we no wan talk put! Kai! There's no competition for testimony naw. . abi wetin dey happen for Nairaland?!? Lol, I go just maintain. . . "a devoted anglican of the methodist sect"!  >just wondering about the Rev. Ann Holmes Redding who was a devoted Episcopalian of the Seattle mosque! < |
| Christianity Etc › Re: To Tithe or Not to Tithe? by pilgrim1(f): 11:12pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
@sarmy, Tithing should really not be based on what people have turned it into. We all have our persuasions here and there about this subject; but at the end of the day, we know that tithing did not originate with the Law, nor does the Law abrogate what it did not originate. The beautiful thing about any type of giving in the NT is that no one is forced to give anything. As the heart is willing, so we can find grace to do so. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Seeking Understanding by pilgrim1(f): 11:07pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
Even if they were "illiterate", how has your vituperations exhibited any better quality? |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Seeking Understanding by pilgrim1(f): 10:50pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
[quote author=pilgrim.1 link=topic=178367.msg2885449#msg2885449 date=1222982138]On this, we can be clear that Jesus did not abolish the "LAW". The problem is that many people are not able to distinguish the context of what "LAW" they are speaking about before assuming that "the LAW" has been abolished wholesale.[/quote]Now, let's consider yet again that same question you raised: 1. Please explain to me if Jesus abolished those laws and where it is that Jesus said so if he did? First, I note the word "laws" as used in yours is in plural - so we are looking at very specific cases yet. As far as "laws" are concerned, the logical question is "WHICH"? Of course, if one was looking at the decalogue, my persuasion is that He did not "abolish" them. The word abolish is not quite appropriate here (and I had to struggle with that because in my former religion we had the idea of "abrogation" of divine laws and verses). However, when I came to see that "abolish" is quite a strange word which many people had employed unwittingly, it was easy enough to see the balance of contexts (infact, it was Matt. 5:17 that helped me see the seriousness of this scenario where Jesus said: "I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them", ESV). Right, Jesus Himself said He had not come to "abolish" (nor "abrogate"  the LAW (Matt. 5:17). So, while we find that the OT sacrifices of bulls and goats do not migrate into the new covenant, we can understand that they were reserved as typologies and prophecies which would find their fulfillment in Christ. An example of this "fulfillment" is the concept of the sin offering (Lev. 4:3). That which was to be offered was to be without blemish. Yet, for all that, we find that the blood of bulls and goats did not take away sin (Hebrews 10:4 & 11). This is attested to even by the OT prophets, for example in Isaiah 1:11 where God say - "I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats." Even though the priests offered these sacrifices daily, they knew that such rites did not take away sin. How do we know this? By two things, basically: (a) the sin offering was offered "day by day continually" (Exo. 29:36-38) (b) there was a constant reminder of sin: "Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually" (Exo. 28:30; cf. Heb. 10:3) In all, what then does this mean? It means that in this example, Jesus fulfilled what was prefigured in the OT: for He was presented as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). If those old testament typologies actually fulfilled the prophecies in themselves, Jesus would not have been presented as the Lamb who would take away the sin of the world. In this case, He fulfilled that particular reference to the sin offering - and that is why the typology does not migrate as a practice in the NT. Phew. I'm running late for my early schedule tomorrow - will be back later to share more. Cheers.  |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Seeking Understanding by pilgrim1(f): 10:15pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
@Chrisbenogor, Chrisbenogor:That's okay - we all don't shake off issues all at once: it takes time before the light begins to dawn. Following on from where I left off, the second thing to highlight would be the contexts in which the term "the LAW" is used in Scripture. There are basically two simple ways to understand the term: what it points to; and its application in various references. Although I have once highlighted this before, perhaps it may be appropriate to re-quote it here: (a) 'The LAW' is used in various contexts as referring to: * the Sinaitic Law (including the 10 commandments - see Rom. 2:15) * the Pentateuch/Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy - see Rom. 3:21; Luke 24:44) * the specific commandments God gave in the OT - (see Neh. 9:13-14) (b) Its application in the NT furnishes us with the following: * specific commandments * prophecies * exhortations * divine principles To be specific, let us take an example from the questions you offered and see what applications come up thereto: 1. Please explain to me if Jesus abolished those laws and where it is that Jesus said so if he did?Now, applying that to the above outline, the question could then be asked this way - Did Jesus Christ abolish the LAW in terms of: * the Sinaitic Law (including the 10 commandments - see Rom. 2:15) * the Pentateuch/Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy - see Rom. 3:21; Luke 24:44) * the specific commandments God gave in the OT - (see Neh. 9:13-14) One may easily see that He did not abolish the Pentateuch/Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy) - for He even used it in specific cases in His teaching that cover the Christian life and ministry, such as: ~ creation of man "from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female" (Mark 10:6; cf. Gen. 1:27) ~ marriage "And they twain shall be one flesh" (Mark 10:7 & 8; cf. Gen. 2:24) ~ love "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, . . all thy soul, . . all thy mind" (Matt. 23:37; cf. Deut. 6:5) Certainly, these highlights would as well cover the other things we noted: * specific commandments * prophecies * exhortations * divine principles On this, we can be clear that Jesus did not abolish the "LAW". The problem is that many people are not able to distinguish the context of what "LAW" they are speaking about before assuming that "the LAW" has been abolished wholesale. When you ask such people about specific matters in the LAW, they become somewhat confused and tongue-in-cheek. I'll try and take them step by step to see what exactly is meant by the LAW before we can say with some measure that the LAW in principle finds its substance in the NT. Cheers. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Seeking Understanding by pilgrim1(f): 9:33pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
At the Council of Jerusalem, the early Church took up the question of whether believers were bound by the requirements of Mosaic law. As St. Paul saw them, the Pope said, the results of the Council "represented the decisive recognition of the freedom that all the participants shared: freedom from the obligations arising from circumcision and from the Law."@Omenuko, Your contribution is appreciated - and as many views and perspective are welcome so we all benefit one way or another. Thanks for sharing. How body? |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Nairaland Christian E-Fellowship by pilgrim1(f): 9:27pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
[quote author=Ruby_Pearl link=topic=159075.msg2880615#msg2880615 date=1222916313]Only God and myself knows why am full of joy right now. LOL, CAN'T STOP SMILING.  Thank you God[/quote]@Ruby_Pearl, I rejoice with you. May your joy be ever full. Bless you, Jesus is Lord. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Nairaland Christian E-Fellowship by pilgrim1(f): 9:25pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
@FifiO, FifiO:Well, na long tory. Sorry, I didn't see yours post above earlier until someone just pointed it out to me just now on YIM. I apologise. However, the ones that were removed are in the bin section, while the locked threads are still here to browse through. ANyhow, how are you keeping? Much love in Christ. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Seeking Understanding by pilgrim1(f): 8:34pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
@Chrisbenogor, Chrisbenogor:Thanks. I'll find the time to make some input as occasion permits me. I just hope we can be civil in these discussions (I often tend to fold myself away from irrational talk). However, my approach is not an expository treatise; but rather a summary of important highlights - basically, an understanding of the importance of deixis in Biblical study as applicable to questions of this sort. Basically, deixis is defined as: "aspects of a communication whose interpretation depends on knowledge of the context in which the communication occurs". That is why these questions are simple enough to grasp when thus studied. In which case, the first enquiry is to understand what actually is the LAW. That is a word that is quite often too loosely thrown around by many who have not taken the time to understand its contextual applications where they occur. Just one example will help us see why we ought to be careful to not give the "LAW" just about any and every meaning where it occurs in the Bible. If you carefully check through again, you will find akin words that many people often mistake to mean the same thing as the "LAW". That these other words occur distinctly gives us the understanding that they are not the same: ~ "my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws" [Gen. 26:5] ~ "the statutes of God, and his laws" [Exo. 18:16] ~ "keep my statutes, and my judgments" [Lev, 18:5] ~ "the statutes and judgments and laws" [Lev. 26:46] ~ "all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments" [Deut. 5:31] ~ " the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment," [2 Kings 17:37] What's my point? As we can see from the above, the akin words help us to understand that the term LAW has its various contextual applications and until we find the deixis in them and their purposes, we may not be able to have a good grasp of the issues involved. These are the issues I would like to elaborate upon when I find the occasion to do so. Regards. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: To Tithe or Not to Tithe? by pilgrim1(f): 7:55pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
@obatoro, obatoro:I will like to know where the highlighted qoute of yours is in the bible.[/quote](a) If God does not "command" or "force" or "cajole" anyone to tithe, then where do you want me to show what He does not do? Unless you have a verse where He actually "commands, cajoles and forces" anyone to tithe, then it may be helpful for you to share with us.(b) "If the heart is willing" - here is a verse: 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (c) He "receives" them from the tither - that has already been shown from Hebrews 7:8 . . please scroll up and see where I quoted the AMP version to clarify the issue. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: To Tithe or Not to Tithe? by pilgrim1(f): 7:42pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
@obatoro, Hi, and thanks for your questions and concerns. obatoro:Lol, if it was not his, then who did the spoils of war belong to? In any case, your assumptions leaves many many questions unanswered. let me highlight a few of them: (a) the excuse that Abraham gave a tithe of the spoils of war does not negate the fact that he gave tithes, whether it was tithe of the spoils or anything else; (b) the one to whom he gave the tithes also should be of interest to us: Melchizedek was the priest of the most high God (Gen. 14:18). A priest would immediately know that it was unlawful/unrighteous to give such things to God if He discountenanced them; (c) Melchizedek, apart from being a priest, was also significant for the fact of his name - both King of righteousness and King of peace (Heb. 7:2) - these two qualities should humble us to know that what Abraham offered as tithe was not regarded as either unrighteous or unholy; (d) let us even assume the idea that spoils of war could not be given as tithes in Abraham's case; then the question is this - what infact would Abraham had given to Melchizedek when the priest met him (notice, the priest met Abraham, not the other way round)? (e) even then, before Abraham there is something which many of us have not realized about giving - and that is the assumption that he gave only once, and therefore it was not significant! Such an excuse is retired out of argument - for the simple reason that the one act of Abraham did two very significant things: (i) it established Melchizedek's pronouncements of blessings upon him Hebrews 7:1 and Gen. 14:19 ("he blessed him" (ii) it covered Levi as well (Heb. 7:9) If ONE act of Abraham's giving had such a tremendous effect both upon himself and for his unborn generation (Levi), it seems to me that we often miss the weightier issues for mere excuses! Yes, Abraham gave only once - but are we often failing so much in realizing the great significance of that one act of tithes? So, just because he gave once, does that make it any less a TITHE? How frequently would you have to keep giving before you qualify it as "tithe"? If God says that the one act of Abraham's giving was called "TITHES of ALL" (Genesis 14:20), why are men so driven with excuses to argue as if they fail to see what God calls it in the Bible? Lol, if God says it is TITHES (plural), it is of no significance to argue that Abraham did not repeat the act several times. To argue that way is to miss the most important fact in that event! |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Seeking Understanding by pilgrim1(f): 6:31pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
Dear Chrisbenogor, Chrisbenogor:I find your concerns quite legitimate and interesting; but would I qualify to post replies? Actually, my interest in wanting to answer a few of those questions (as I do not have all the answers) is because I struggled with them myself while searching for meaning in life and faith before I became a Christian. I would like to share with you how I came to understand the few crucial keys that helped me see reason; but like I often say, it was not theology that settled it for me - but the power of experiences that I just could not deny. If my answers would be helpful, I would like to come back some time later to share them. What do you think? |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Faithful See Virgin Mary Image In Hospital Window by pilgrim1(f): 6:25pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
[quote author=davidylan* link=topic=178072.msg2884431#msg2884431 date=1222968192]Next you'll come searching for Mohammad and Jesus there no?[/quote] You're so funny! |
| Christianity Etc › Re: To Tithe or Not to Tithe? by pilgrim1(f): 6:20pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
Hi @KunleOshob, KunleOshob:Sometimes we have issues that we oursleves have picked up along the way and use them to suppose that others are misled. An example is on this issue about tithes. Let's get a few things right: (a) under the Levitical priesthood, tithing was by commandment (Heb. 7:5) (b) before the Levitical priesthood, Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek without a commandment (Heb. 7:4) (c) comparing both events above, it is wrong to always assume that tithing was always a matter of commandments (Heb. 7:16) It seems that the one difficulty people have in seeing the rich instruction in Hebrews is that they often assume by default that tithing was always connected to the Law of the old covenant. My humble question has always been this: under what "LAW" did Abraham give tithes to Melchizedek - the same Melchizedek which did not spring out of Levi? Come to even think of it, we often fail to remember that even Levi gave tithes to Melchizedek - through Abraham (Heb. 7:9)! And that being so, by what "LAW" did Levi pay tithes to melchizedek? The simple answer is that the "LAW" was not even enacted at the time of Abraham's tithing to Melchizedek - ______________________________________________________ Deut. 5:2-3 The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. ______________________________________________________ That is one confirmation of the fact that Abraham was not under the "LAW", for it was not unto Abraham that the Mosaic LAW was given. The patriarch Abraham gave tithes unto Melchizedek - even without any Law - and yet, when we get to Hebrews 7, we learn that both Abraham and Levi gave tithes to Melchizedek. The fact that tithing did not begin and stop with the Levitical priesthood is underscored by Hebrews 7:8 - which the AMP version succinctly elucidate: (a) "Furthermore, here [in the Levitical priesthood] tithes are received by men who are subject to death; (b) while there [in the case of Melchizedek], they are received by one of whom it is testified that he lives [perpetually]". Two positions are contrasted there: (a) HERE - Levitical priesthood; and (b) THERE - Melchizedek priesthood. The amazing thing is that even Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek without even the LAW. Does that not ring a bell to us? Let's not be put off by what men have argued back and forth to turn tithing into. The one beautiful thing we see is that in the NT, God does not "command" or "force" or "cajole" anyone to tithe. If the heart is willing, He "receives" them from the tither who knows indeed that tithing preceded the Law. It was by faith Abraham was moved to see something in his day that many of us take for granted, even though we often read Hebrews 7:8. Regards. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: To Tithe or Not to Tithe? by pilgrim1(f): 5:34pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
@sarmy, sarmy:I understand - many people imagine so, and we can all bear with one another on our various persuasions. Let's examine a few of them and then ask some salient questions: sarmy:Agreed - that verse is one of those in Hebrews that was dealing with tithes under the Levitical priesthood; however, did you see again that Heb. 7:8 was also highlighting that He "receives" them (tithes) under the Melchizedek priesthood? sarmy:God never presented tithing as part of the sacrifices of perfecting anyone - it was rather the gift of His Son that perfects us. When people assume that tithing was the "perfecting" element in that verse, they immediately lose sight of the gist of that chapter. This is why you may have arrived at this inference: sarmy:Ahh - that's where the problem is. Abraham was not under the Law, but he gave tithes to Melchizedek. What Law was binding on Abraham to give tithes of all? That is often the question we all miss when we assume the wrong inference about that chapter in Hebrews. sarmy:That's supposed to be Galatians 3:13. If you spell it as "[color=Black]G[/color]al 3:13", you will find it turns to "girl 3:13". . . just as if you wrote "I'[color=Black]d[/color]" and it becomes "I'D". sarmy:Maybe. But hey, did Jesus also deliver us from Proverbs 3:9-10? __________________________________________ Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. " __________________________________________ sarmy:But that doesn't nullify the admonition to give - and that "giving" of our substance involves tithes which He "receives" in Hebrews 7:8 (cf. this with the giving in 1 Cor. 9:13-14). Blessings. |
| Nairaland General › Re: Can We Still Find People Like This? by pilgrim1(op): 5:18pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
OlowoTee:@OlowoTee, Wow! So glad to see you finally! I've missed you as well more than I can tell - and thank you for your prayers. God bless you and make your testimony even more glorious. Jesus is Lord. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Faithful See Virgin Mary Image In Hospital Window by pilgrim1(f): 5:16pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
javalove:I know several Muslims who agree about the same thing concerning the arabic book in question. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Have You Praised Him Yet, Today? by pilgrim1(f): 5:14pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
I give thanks, O Lord, as I remember Your Holiness. Psalm 30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Faithful See Virgin Mary Image In Hospital Window by pilgrim1(f): 5:11pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
MC Usman:That sounds pretty much like you would not be reading that "textual content" in Arabic, no? You see, it's easy to diss Christianity with such undertones. What does it benefit you personally? |
| Christianity Etc › Re: To Tithe or Not to Tithe? by pilgrim1(f): 5:08pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
sarmy:@sarmy, Thank you for taking the time to highlight Hebrews 7:8 - the very verse so many of us are not so careful to remember when expression aversion to tithes. In the New Testament, God will not force even those who call ourselves His children to do anything - and definitely not even tithing. Does your heart move you to tithe? Give as you are led - He "receives" them, not demand them. Cheers. |
| Nairaland General › Re: Can We Still Find People Like This? by pilgrim1(op): 4:58pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
[size=14pt]Man returns lost treasures to owner[/size] Published: September 24, 2008 By JAMES DAMSCHRODER The Union Democrat _____________________________________________________________________ John Miller was scavenging local garage sales recently, looking for a fire-resistant box for his collection of poker chips, when he hit a jackpot of sorts. Upon prying open the box at his home, he found $23,000 worth of bonds and the title to a car, in addition to some handwritten notes. "It appeared new," Miller said of the box. "It was still in its original box." "I realized when I got back that it wasn't unlocked and there was no key," said Miller, a retired Sonora High School math and science teacher who collects rare poker chips, which he usually finds on the Internet. When he shook the box, like a kid does a Christmas present, he heard and felt something inside. It felt like papers, he said. "I called on my misspent youth to get the box open," Miller said with a laugh. "As soon as I opened it, my wife came out and asked, ‘What's wrong?' " Miller said. Miller called his attorney, who said that Miller could probably make a claim on the bonds. But that never crossed Miller's mind. "I just wanted to make sure I found the right person to return them to," said Miller, who has two daughters. "It's difficult to raise daughters with principles when you're not practicing them." Steve Southard, who worked with Miller at Sonora High School, called him a "genuine human being." "If it had been cash, he'D still have returned it," Southard said. "That is just the type of man he is." Miller searched the Internet for the name and Southern California address written on the bonds. He found an apparent match but, he thought, after making some telephone calls, the man might have passed away. He returned to the home where he purchased the box. The seller was the man's niece, handling his belongings because he moved into an assisted-living home. Miller gave the bonds, vehicle title and papers back to her. The situation reminded Miller of his mother, who had recently passed away. Miller was in charge of taking care of her assets. "If she had bonds out there somewhere, I would want them to be distributed to the right people," he said. "It was a quick decision." Miller searches garage sales at least once a week, but this was the first time he had literally found a treasure among junk. "I've never found anything else this crazy," Miller said. "Sometimes, you'll open a drawer and find something that you wouldn't expect." Contact James Damschroder at jdamschroder@uniondemocrat.com or 588-4531. _____________________________________________________________________ source: http://www.uniondemocrat.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=27651 |
| Nairaland General › Re: Can We Still Find People Like This? by pilgrim1(op): 4:48pm On Oct 02, 2008 |
@All, Many thanks for your contributions. It's great to read through the inspiring stories shared to inspire us towards emulating some virtue: good also for some to have remarked that one doesn't have to belong to a particular religion before they can live as human beings. In all, it is the little and ordinary things we do in extraordinary ways that catches the attention of others and inspire them to value something to remember for life. Someone asked me recently: what difference does it make if non-religious people can do good things of significance as are being posted on this thread? That was a deeply challenging question - and one that I could not just presumptiously sweep over with a blanket answer. Actually, what difference does it make that I (speaking for myself) would even think of celebrating some inspirational events in ordinary folks? It does make all the difference - in several ways. It made me think and realize that we are not called to live as religious zombies (please pardon my expression - that's just me thinking aloud). As I enjoy the relationship that God called me to experience in Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord, I come to think about the wonderful values of our humanity. Life in Christ helps me to appreciate the blessings of knowing that there are ordinary people out there that could exhibit some virtue for us to both celebrate and emulate. Consider the few responses and remarks following the OP: someone observed the sad reality that some religious people often exhibit vices rather than virtues. Sad indeed. However, we can look up and brighten up that there are challenges in ordinary things to inspire us to find meaning in life and faith. If it were you, what would you do in such situations? I hear - we all have answers of remarkable goodness! But talk is cheap - we know that, don't we? Let's keep encouraging ourselves with worthy news. Do you find something quite challenging that you would like to share? Well, the thread's still here to enjoy - share such news and challenge both yourself and others to celebrate something worth thinking about. Blessings. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: The Book Of Proverbs And It's Life Lessons by pilgrim1(f): 12:33am On Oct 02, 2008 |
[quote author=plus_Queen link=topic=177969.msg2880103#msg2880103 date=1222903554]and where is macaabees is the Bible after makarena?[/quote]Haha. . lol. . @plus_Queen, you're so funny! |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Pilgrim's Muslim To Christian Conversion Story: Fact Or Romantic Fiction? by pilgrim1(f): 12:27am On Oct 02, 2008 |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Pilgrim's Muslim To Christian Conversion Story: Fact Or Romantic Fiction? by pilgrim1(f): 12:19am On Oct 02, 2008 |
@reindeer, reindeer:Amen to that prayer, reindeer. . . amen. And thank you and others for your wisdom. Now I know the power of those ladies' appeal that I stay calm and not be drawn to any arguments of sorts. It is working out just as they said. Jesus is Lord. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Pilgrim's Muslim To Christian Conversion Story: Fact Or Romantic Fiction? by pilgrim1(f): 12:17am On Oct 02, 2008 |
@davidylan, [quote author=davidylan* link=topic=178031.msg2880062#msg2880062 date=1222902378]pilgrim you tried, you even bothered with his thread. If your conversion story was such fiction why were they so up in arms that the thread had to be locked?[/quote]That is the thing that just keeps amazing me! How many times have I asked these gentlemen to get in touch and let me share facts in documented evidence and scanned letters? All I got were threats of allah-this-allah-that! Em, we will definitely find you and your family and slaughter you all, blah-blah. I didn't bother posting such emails because some nice lady will gently remind me that muslims do not go out to vilify anyone. Our dear tribalist try - I had no clue that simply sharing a bit of my story would have so much impact. Up until now, I still marvel that they are having sleepless nights worrying themselves over what they feel has nothing to offer. If that is the case, [size=14pt]why[/size] do they belabour themselves over it at all? Bo, blessings my brother. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Pilgrim's Muslim To Christian Conversion Story: Fact Or Romantic Fiction? by pilgrim1(f): 12:04am On Oct 02, 2008 |
@tribalist, Thank you for your analysis of my testimony. Perhaps I should not even have bothered; but for the sake of poor fellows like you, let me say a few things that you deliberately missed on account of your desire to see beyond yourself. (1) First, I am not a clone of any person's testimony; so if you had expected my story to follow the typical drone you might have heard so many times, I'm deeply sorry to have disappointed you. (2) You make a mistake of assuming that just because I had boyfriends, I might have been committing zina (fornication) and jumping from men to men. Sorry again to disappoint you; but you really had no clue what life I lived. Bottomline: I had friends - I fell in love, and I'm not ashamed to pretend that grown up men were my friends while I was searching for true meaning in life and faith. (3) I made clear that my testimony was not grounds for theological debates - I said so several times and kept reiterating it. If you missed that, I doubt you had the eyes to actually read. Which is hardly surprising - because inspite of my having said so many times, obviously you would have loved to skip that bit. (4) my style: yes, I was deliberately light hearted in my style because I didn't realize it would have the huge impact it did. At one point I was a bit withdrawn because I didn't want to be the center of attraction and had indicated it - offering to come back later and share some more. (5) Earlier than that, I wanted to "cut to the chase" and just simply state what moved me to give my heart to Christ - which I eventually did by summarily touching on the undeniable miracles that eventually added up to move me. Like I said, theology didn't settle it for me; rather, the power of what had happened before my very eyes added to the events that helped me find faith. (6) Now an interesting thing: Kylie's* letter and quotes from others. I quoted one of my boyfriend's mother and stated that I couldn't remember precisely how she said it; but the few things that rang in my heart could not be forgotten. You would have to have a heart of stone when a mother who has lost her own son in another country was speaking and you played deaf! Not me - and all through those years I carried that woman's painful tears in my heart. (7) I still have his letter with me - it's an old piece of paper that's whether beaten now, but I had it in front of me when I was typing that very night. That letter followed me everywhere I go in my purse - because it reminds me of his strong faith to look death in the face and still give his life for something he believed in. (8.) Morality: boyfriend. Lol, you see, I'm a real and down-to-earth person - not a hijab wearing pretender faking a morality in Islam that doesn't exist. To people like you, the word "boyfriend" conjures zina (fornication); but you simply have no clue - those men I met were the finest gentlemen I have ever seen in my life all the time I was moving among muslims whose eyes and hearts were filled with lust for young girls and all the while they pretend to be smooth-bearded mullahs. I could go on, but I really wonder that you wasted a whole page in your effort. I have often asked people who want evidence to get in touch directly - there I could post you some scanned documents, and video clips, audio clips; books, names of highly placed Imams, Muslim Councils, especially where I lived - to go check them out for yourself; respected Muslim institutions where I have been and people I have talked to. . etc. All I have received from the few fellows who made attempts were constant insults to my person and parents. I know leaving Islam is a painful experience for some who have believed that they are the best of mankind among all the ummah of the various religious groups. But here is something I have learnt since that night: I'm not intersted in entering a theological debate with muslims, be it ever so hungry as they may be for it - because I've been there and know how they feel. Again, thank you for your efforts - it was quite an amusing piece of entertainment on your part. But one thing that remains concrete in my life is this: from the very day that Jesus Christ saved me, I have never looked back to consider Islam. I now love the people I once hated vehemently - what is more, I have nothing other than love for the many Muslims who continue to be angry that I left Islam. May you find Jesus Christ and His love for you as well. When you do, my story will be nothing in comparison to what you will say about His power. God bless you. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Ex-evangelical Preacher Has Done It Again. by pilgrim1(f): 11:31pm On Oct 01, 2008 |
huxley:Dear huxley, Thank you for your reply. I think that the best thing presently would be to probably pretend ignorance until occasion may serve me an invitation to contribute further. As far as I'm concerned, I've seen the same pattern often displayed where atheists feel that the finest quality to display is insult others and ask us to "expect" ridicule where their desires are left unattended. I have repeatedly called for reason; but since that is not yielding fruit, I'll just pretend ignorance and let it look like you've "won" your appetite of assuming we're faith-heads. Do have a wonderful evening all the same. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Comparison Between The Bible And Quran With Proof. by pilgrim1(f): 11:25pm On Oct 01, 2008 |
@reindeer, May God continue to bless you daily. Sometimes I have the feeling of trying to relax just because others have been touched by your life and testimony, even though you may not have known anything about it over here. But the beauty of it all is that there are many friends God is using to encourage me to not relax . . for when we assume such postures, that is where the devil gets an opportunity to do his ugly best. I just thank God for you, and everyday I thank God for all those who have come my way to be such wonderful and enriching experiences. May the Lord bless you continually. Jesus is Lord. |
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 (of 215 pages)